William Anderson (Medal of Honor)
American sailor and Medal of Honor recipient
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William Anderson (c. 1852–1908) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.
Bornc. 1852
DiedMarch 11, 1908 (aged 55–56) [1]
Burial place
Holy Cross Cemetery, Brooklyn[1]AllegianceUnited States of America
William Anderson | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1852 |
| Died | March 11, 1908 (aged 55–56) [1] |
Burial place | Holy Cross Cemetery, Brooklyn[1] |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
Branch | United States Navy |
Rank | Coxswain |
| Unit | USS Powhatan |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Biography
Born in about 1852 in Sweden, Anderson migrated to the United States and joined the Navy from New York. By June 28, 1878, he was serving as a coxswain on the USS Powhatan. On that day, he rescued First Class Boy William Henry Moffett aka Moffatt from drowning, for which he was awarded the Medal of Honor.[2]
Anderson's official Medal of Honor citation reads:
On board the U.S.S. Powhatan, 28 June 1878. Acting courageously, Anderson rescued from drowning W. H. Moffatt, first class boy.[2]
